G'day and bula everyone!

Summer is waning fast, and the 2016 Autumnal Equinox is only about 4 weeks off! Won't be long until Roaring Forties start kicking into gear, and enormous, powerful winter storms start ripping north across the Southern Ocean from Antarctica en route to Southern Australia!

Dreading the chill that lies ahead, but hoping for a better chance at seeing some snow in coming months.

Aussiestormfreak

WZ predicting an early start to the snow season with a dusting at Uluru this Wednesday
http://www.weatherzone.com.au/news/uluru-could-see-first-autumn-snow-on-record/481283
With wednesdays forecast temps in Alice Springs 17C to 35C and no 'moisture laden cold front' in sight, looks like someone at WZ has been on the happy pills!

April 1st anyone.

I'm really excited too at this early season snow prospect. With the reported wind direction out of the south east, and my elevation being that of Uluru, I should expect some snow a day or so later as this system tracks east. Whoohooo!!

Dammit! That one actually Got me!!

WZ journos are probably on happy pills most of the time, especially on those boring weather days

Whoever wrote the article will be sitting back reading this forum and having a good laugh.
I think I have taken out the "WZ April fool of the year award" for 2016, haha.

Anyway, there is a chance of snow in the tassie highlands tomorrow.....

lol. Won`t be the first or the last LightningGus.

Gave a few of us something to smile at LG

First thing I did (remembering it was April 1) was check the week forecast for The Alice, temps all high 30's all that week - not especially conducive for snow.

We've all fallen for something at some stage - just your turn.

I was very disappointed the snow didn't eventuate, there or here.

To make matters worse, there was no explanation from the WZ forecaster as to how he got it so wrong.

Where is the accountability these days.....sigh.

By the time winter rolls around this year I will at long last have gotten my licence and with it comes the hope of some snow chases.

Quick question for the veterans out there. Do I need a 4WD or just some snow chains for my Toyota Corolla Hatch?

Locke, I take it your in Brisbane. If so forget about Stanthorpe and those area's and just go for Guyra. Time your chases so that you arrive before the snow falls. You won't need chains as if it is thick enough they close the highway anyway. I have never used chains due to me timing my arrival before snow falls. Be prepared to take any day off work. I normally wait til I see a window of snow fall that will enable me to stay overnight. Last year I left Brisbane at 8pm as the snow looked like it would start pelting down at 1am. Got to Guyra at 2am but I was fine. The following night I got snowed in. Highway was closed til midday on my final day and got out.
When venturing out you will only need to walk around. but occaisionaly I went for a drive to get to the Caltex up the road. Caution should be taken and if you do 5km/h you'll be right ( This is when the highway is covered)

Ps I just drive a Toyota Tarago and its fine ( Fantastic chase car as it is high off the ground and very roomy The best chase cars are the SUV sized cars. Something that is high off the ground like the SUV's. But really unless you are going off road driving in the snow I can't see the point in spending doe on a 4X4.

http://www.carsguide.com.au/buy-a-car/al...s/toyota_tarago
http://www.honda.com.au/cars/models/cr-v.html?gclid=CLPa1O6rnswCFVgTvQodMDsCOA

Hi Locke

Front wheel drive lancer


All wheel drive WRX


I have traversed snow up to 14cm in both of these vehicles without chains needed. I do advise against rear wheel drive vehicles in the snow as they are a lot heavier in the back and promote the rear end sliding out and it's very hard to get back under control even with traction and stability assist. I do advise a manual is better suited to frosty and snowy conditions as taking off in Second assures no wheel spins and maximum traction.

Grip, low torque and a suitable drive shaft (Front Wheel drive or All Wheel drive) will get you to and from safely.. Goodluck out there!

Good advice Warren and welcome to the forum.
That Rexy is a nice looking car. In fact I wouldn't mind any Subie for that matter; they're all meant to be pretty good for the snow too.

Thank you . They are excellent for the snow, Subaru and Mitsubishi are unrivaled.

As for this years snow season... I have my doubts for much snowfall for the central tablelands, but who am I to decide? Heat like this usually brings on some wicked thunderstorms, and as long as there is thunderstorms... There is moisture, and if there is moisture.... There is snow somewhere! It's been roughly +6 Degrees higher than the average April temperature where I live which is just at the base of Penrith and there has been an unusual decrease in thunderstorm activity.

I wish I could say the calm before the storm? Bring on the snow!

Hi everyone,
It's that time of the year when i return to the forum to annoy you all. This year however there has been some changes! I am no longer based in Tamworth. I can no longer give updates around MT Kaputar, Nundle, or Walcha.

Now I'm on the not so chilly Central coast and look forward to finding where is in driving distance. The old Suzuki Sierra is getting bored of the humidity and so am I! Where are some good places to head from the Gosford area?

Thanks in advance guys and girls.

Hi Locke
as for snow chains it depends where your chase takes you. In some areas it is the law to have snow chains with you and penalties apply if you fail to comply. I chased all the way down through the Alpines 3 years back. For the price and the area they take up I would throw a set in and follow the manufacturers directions as to speed etc.

I have just noticed for VIC "Diamond pattern chains are now mandatory for all vehicles entering the Mount Hotham Alpine Resort. Ladder chains, spider chains and snow socks are not permitted to be used at any time. - See more at: http://www.mthotham.com.au/plan-my-trip/travel-to-hotham/by-road/chain-fitting-info/#sthash.D2FFz0Lf.dpuf"

Some hints on snow driving and chains can be found here.

http://www.aussiesnow.com.au/chains.html

http://www.mynrma.com.au/motoring-services/road-safety/safer-driving/country/snow.htm

http://www.mthotham.com.au/plan-my-trip/travel-to-hotham/by-road/chain-fitting-info/

Loving the satellite... and the charts and models! Winter is on its way to Southern Australia (five weeks to go until June 1st), and the first cold fronts and winter storms from Antarctica are now on the move in the Southern Ocean, marching north!

Little sign of any snow for the Australian Alps and the highlands/ski resorts of Tasmania at this stage; the air appears to be still too warm, so any precipitation will mainly be rainfall. But this is just the start; hoping the high pressure area we've been trapped under for who knows how long can be forced north soon and allow the cold air to come flooding in from the south.

With ACCESS having several intense cold fronts lined up over the coming 10-day period, it's only a matter of time before the first snowfalls finally arrive. And after nearly 7 years since I was playing in the Sewlyn Snowfields near Cabramurra in the NSW Snowy Nountains, I am hoping to hit the ski fields this year, especially since my fiancee is coming out from Fiji! I can no longer settle for merely seeing snow from off in the distance, as I did when flying from Melbourne to Sydney last June.